Seven-Layer Bars

By norsegal8

Seven-Layer Bars, dream bars, magic bars: these are all derivations of the same decadently gooey, cookie-crusted treat that we all recognize in one form or another. Yes, we've ensured that this variation does, in fact, have seven layers. And better yet, we've made it with our own homemade, vanilla-infused version of sweetened condensed milk.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 10 tablespoons melted butter, divided
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried whole milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
• 2/3 cup mini white chocolate chips, or standard-size white chips or chunks
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 3/4 ounces coconut flakes or unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1/3 cup caramel cut from a block (or about 9 to 11 individual caramel candies)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Details

Servings 16

Preparation

Step 1

Tips from our bakers
If you don't have dried whole milk, substitute one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk for the 4 tablespoons melted butter, water, sugar, vanilla, and dried whole milk.


1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" square pan.

2) In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, confectioner's sugar, and 6 tablespoons of the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

3) With a hand or stand mixer, beat together the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter, the boiling water, sugar, vanilla, and dried whole milk until thick and smooth. Pour into the pan.

4) Top with the semisweet chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips or chunks, nuts, and coconut.

5) Bake the bars for 24 to 26 minutes, until the coconut starts to turn golden. Remove them from the oven.

6) Combine the caramel with the tablespoon of milk or cream, and heat until the caramel is pourable, stirring to combine.

7) Pour the caramel over the bars. Allow the bars to cool and set before cutting.

Yield: 16 bars.